WO2013188904A1

WO2013188904A1 - A container or bottle

Info

Publication number: WO2013188904A1
Application number: PCT/AU2013/000640
Authority: WO
Inventors: David Driver; Michael Gilbert; Warren Slattery
Original assignee: Cospak Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2012-06-19
Filing date: 2013-06-17
Publication date: 2013-12-27

Abstract

The present invention provides a bottle or container (10) for holding a pourable substance, said bottle or container (10) including a body having an outer periphery, characterized in that the outer periphery includes grip formations (12) formed thereon, therein or applied thereto.

Description

A container and or bottle

Field of the invention

[001] The present invention relates to improvements to bottles and or containers, particularly those that may be required to be poured from as part of table service or the like.

Background of the invention

[002] Bottles have been in existence for many years. There has been a need to provide an improved bottle.

[003] Any reference herein to known prior art does not, unless the contrary indication appears, constitute an admission that such prior art is commonly known by those skilled in the art to which the invention relates, at the priority date of this application.

Summary of the invention

[004] The present invention provides a bottle or container for holding a pourable substance, said bottle or container including a body having an outer periphery, characterized in that the outer periphery includes grip formations formed thereon, therein or applied thereto.

[005] The grip formations can be formed in at least one array, or one line or one column on or in said bottle or container.

[006] The grip formations can be formed from a series troughs and crests.

[007] The grip formations can be contained within a generally rectangular periphery.

[008] The grip formations can be in a generally straight line of extension.

[009] The grip formations can be in a generally curved line of extension.

[010] There can be more than one array or line or column of grip formations.

[011] The grip formations can be located at diagonally opposite locations on said body.

[012] At diagonally opposite sides of said bottle or container, there can be located two arrays or columns or lines of grip formations adjacent to each other but separated by a relatively small space.

[013] The grip formations can extend in a generally circumferential direction.

[014] The grip formations can assist a person holding said bottle by said circumference to grip said bottle or said container.

[015] The grip formations can assist to prevent said bottle or said container from falling downwardly through a user or service persons hands. [016] The bottle or container can be formed form one of the following: glass; polymeric material; composite material; metal.

[017] The grip formations can also serve a decorative function.

[018] The grip formations can be in the form of one or more than one of the following: a decorative formation; a geometric formation; a series of raised and recessed formations; lines; lines of intermittent raised formations; a vine motif; a grape motif; a swirl motif; sinusoidal motif; a curving arrangement; horizontally or circumferentially extending crests and troughs; a cuneiform rib and trough arrangement; embossed on the circumferential surface; impressed into the circumferential surface.

[019] The grip formations can be applied to said bottle or container as part of a label or a heat shrinkable sleeve.

[020] The label or sleeve can include grip formations which are printed, co-moulded or otherwise applied to a substrate of said label or sleeve then applied to said bottle.

[021] The grip formations can be applied directly to said bottle by a labelling or printing process, such as decalcomania.

[022] The grip formations can be one or more of the following: part of a label which also includes the bottle contents' manufacturer's labelling; separate from the label which includes the bottle contents' manufacturer's labelling.

[023] The bottle or container can be one or more than one of the following: a wine bottle; a cylindrical bottle; a part conical bottle; a straight sided bottle; a square cross section bottle; a tapering bottle; an bottle containing alcoholic or non-alcoholic product.

[024] The bottle can be manufactured form one or more of the following: glass; a polymeric material.

[025] The present invention also provides a label for a bottle or container, said label including gripping formations formed thereon, and which is adapted to be applied to a bottle or container, which will assist in the gripping of that bottle or container by a user or server of the contents of that bottle or container.

[026] The label can have a paper based substrate and said formations are applied to, printed to, or adhered to said substrate.

[027] The label can have a polymeric based substrate and said formations are applied to, printed to, adhered to, co-moulded with said substrate.

[028] The label can also include provision to receive printing so as to also be the bottle or container's contents manufacturers labelling details. [029] The gripping formations can be on a label separate to that which provides a bottle or container's contents manufacturer's labelling details.

[030] The present invention provides a bottle or container for holding a pourable substance, said bottle including a body having a generally cylindrical outer circumference, characterized in that the outer circumference includes an elongated array of troughs and crests generally forming single line in said body.

[031] The troughs and crests can be contained within a generally rectangular periphery.

[032] The array can be in a generally straight line.

[033] The array can be formed in a generally curved line.

[034] There can be two arrays on said bottle.

[035] The two arrays can be at diagonally opposite locations on said body.

[036] At diagonally opposite sides of said bottle or container, there can be located two arrays adjacent to each other separate by a relatively small space.

[037] The troughs and crests can extend in a generally circumferential direction.

[038] The array or arrays can assist a person holding the bottle by said circumference to grip said bottle or said container.

[039] The array or arrays assist to prevent the bottle or said container from falling downwardly through a user or service persons hands.

[040] The bottle or container can be formed from glass or polymeric material.

[041] A bottle or label as described above, wherein gripping formations are provided whereby they extend in a line along or adjacent the vertical side edges of the label.

[042] The gripping formations and the bottle or label can be sized and or arranged, so that the formations can be gripped by a user's hand engaging the bottle from the rear of the bottle.

[043] A user's finger pads and thumb pad can respectively engage left and right side gripping formations.

Brief description of the drawings and embodiments

[044] An embodiment or embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference top the accompanying figures:.

[045] Figure 1 illustrates a front view of first example of a bottle or container having a right and left side array of crests and troughs; [046] Figure 2 illustrates a left side view of the bottle of figure 1 ;

[047] Figure 3 illustrates a rear view of the bottle of figure 1 ;

[048] Figure 4 illustrates a right side view of the bottle of figure 1 ;

[049] Figure 5 illustrates an underneath view of the bottle of figure 1 ;

[050] Figure 6 illustrates a detail of the BVS or Stelven closure being the upper portion of the bottle of figure 1 ;

[051] Figure 7 illustrates the dimensions as may be applied to a generally typical 750ml bottle, such as the bottle of figure 1 ;

[052] Figure 8 illustrates the detail of circle C of figure 7, and gives typical dimensions of the crests and troughs of an array;

[053] Figure 9 illustrates the cross section DD of figure 8, and some typical dimensions;

[054] Figure 10 illustrates a front view of a bottle or container having a single array of crests and troughs;

[055] Figure 11 illustrates a part detail view of figure 10 showing the cross section of the troughs and crests array;

[056] Figure 12 illustrates an perspective view of the bottle of figure 9;

[057] Figure 13 illustrates crests and troughs which are nor circumferential in shape but rather are cuneiform or form a gable type structure on the outside of the bottle or container;

[058] Figure 14 illustrates a left side view of the embodiment of figures 10 to 12 where only one array is present;

[059] Figure 15 illustrates a left side view of the bottle of figure 14;

[060] Figure 16 illustrates a schematic of side front view of a bottle or container having two generally parallel straight line arrays of crests and troughs on diagonally opposite sides of the bottle or container;

[061] Figure 17 illustrates a schematic perspective view of the bottle of figure 16;

[062] Figure 18 illustrates a front view of the embodiment of figures 16 and 17, showing the punt of the bottle in hidden detail;

[063] Figures 19 illustrates a left side view of the bottle of figures 16 and 17;

[064] Figure 20 illustrates a right side view of the bottle of figures 16 and 17;

[065] Figure 21 illustrates an underneath view of the embodiment of figures 16 and 17; [066] Figure 22 illustrates a left side view of an embodiment where the formations are only a part way along the length of the side of the bottle;

[067] Figure 23 illustrates a front view of the embodiment of figure 22;

[068] Figure 24 illustrates right side view of the embodiment of figure 22;

[069] Figure 25 illustrates a perspective view of the embodiment of figure 22;

[070] Figure 25A illustrates an underneath view of the embodiment of figure 22;

[071] Figure 26 illustrates a front view of an embodiment where the formations are formed from decorative formations which serve a grip function;

[072] Figure 27 illustrates a left side view of the embodiment of figure 26;

[073] Figure 28 illustrates a perspective view of the embodiment of figure 26;

[074] Figure 28A illustrates an underneath view of the embodiment of figure 26;

[075] Figure 29 illustrates a front view of an embodiment where the grip formations are formed from a decorative pattern;

[076] Figure 30 illustrates a left side view of the embodiment of figure 29;

[077] Figure 31 illustrates a perspective view of the embodiment of figure 29;

[078] Figure 31 A illustrates an underneath view of the embodiment of figure 29;

[079] Figure 32 illustrates a front view of an embodiment similar to that of Figures 22 to

25A wherein the formations are extending in two rows on each side of the whole length of the side of a bottle;

[080] Figure 33 illustrates a left side view of the embodiment of figure 32;

[081 ] Figure 34 illustrates a perspective view of the embodiment of figure 32;

[082] Figure 34A illustrates an underneath view of the embodiment of figure 32;

[083] Figure 35 illustrates a front view of an embodiment made from formations of a generally decorative but continuous formation which extends along a substantial length of the height of a bottle;

[084] Figure 36 illustrates a left side view of the embodiment of figure 35;

[085] Figure 37 illustrates a perspective view of the embodiment of figure 35;

[086] Figure 38 illustrates an underneath view of the embodiment of figure 35;

[087] Figure 39 illustrates a front view of an embodiment where the formations are formed from diamonds and an array of diamonds which may be raised or recessed into the surface of the bottle to form both a decorative pattern and a gripping surface; [088] Figure 40 illustrates a left side view of the embodiment of figure 39;

[089] Figures 41 illustrates a perspective view of the embodiment of figure 39;

[090] Figure 42 illustrates an underneath view of the embodiment of figure 39;

[091] Figure 43 illustrates a front view of a bottle having an array of troughs or crests either formed raised from the circumferential surface or indented into the circumferential surface which array is shown to snake or curve its way around the bottle;

[092] Figure 44 illustrates a left side view of the embodiment of figure 43;

[093] Figures 45 illustrates a rear view of the embodiment of figure 43;

[094] Figure 46 illustrates an left side view of the embodiment of figure 43;

[095] Figure 47 illustrates front perspective view of the embodiment of figure 43;

[096] Figure 48 illustrates a left side perspective view of the embodiment of figure 39;

[097] Figures 49 illustrates an underneath view of the embodiment of figure 39;

[098] Figure 50 illustrates section view of the embodiment of figure 39;

[099] Figures 51 illustrates a detailed sectional view of the embodiment of figure 39 illustrated in figure 50;

[0100] Figure 52 illustrates a front view of a bottle having an array of troughs or crests either formed raised from the circumferential surface or indented into the circumferential surface comprising two arrays per side which are of a generally sinusoidal configuration which generally extend in an up and down direction along the side of a bottle;

[0101] Figure 53 illustrates a left side view of the embodiment of figure 52;

[0102] Figures 54 illustrates a rear view of the embodiment of figure 52;

[0103] Figure 55 illustrates an left side view of the embodiment of figure 52;

[0104] Figure 56 illustrates front perspective view of the embodiment of figure 52;

[0105] Figure 57 illustrates a left side perspective view of the embodiment of figure 52;

[0106] Figures 58 illustrates an underneath view of the embodiment of figure 52;

[0107] Figure 59 illustrates section view of the embodiment of figure 52;

[0108] Figures 60 illustrates a detailed sectional view of the embodiment of figure 52 illustrated in figure 59;

[0109] Figure 61 illustrates a left side view of an embodiment similar to that of Figures

52 to 60 showing the location of a part line of the bottle mould relative to the formations.

[0110] Figure 62 illustrates a left side perspective view of the embodiment of figure 61 ; [0111] Figures 63 illustrates a right side perspective view of the embodiment of figure

61 ;

[0112] Figure 63A illustrates an underneath view of the embodiment of figure 61 ;

[0113] Figure 64 illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a bottle with a decorative formation which serves a grip function which shows the formations being raised from the generally circumferential surface of the bottle; '

[0114] Figure 64A illustrates cross section view of the embodiment of figure 64;

[0115] Figures 65 illustrates a left side view of the embodiment of figure 64;

[0116] Figure 66 illustrates a perspective view of the embodiment of figure 64;

[0117] Figure 67 illustrates a detailed sectional view of the embodiment of figure 61 from figure 64A;

[0118] Figure 68 illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a bottle with a decorative formation which serves a grip function wherein the formations are indented or do not protrude from the generally outside circumferential envelope of the bottle;

[0119] Figure 68A illustrates perspective view of the embodiment of figure 68;

[0120] Figures 69 illustrates a cross sectional view of the embodiment of figure 68;

[0121] Figure 69A a detailed sectional view of the embodiment of figure 68 from figure

69;

[0122] Figure 70 illustrates a front perspective view of a bottle similar to that of Figures

64 through to 67 wherein the part line is located through the front and rear faces of the bottle;

[0123] Figure 71 illustrates rear perspective view of the embodiment of figure 70;

[0124] Figure 72 illustrates a detailed sectional view of the embodiment of figure 70;

[0125] Figure 73 illustrates an underneath view of the embodiment of figure 70;

[0126] Figure 74 illustrates a front perspective view of a bottle similar to that of Figures

64 through to 67 wherein the part line separates the columns of formations;

[0127] Figure 75 illustrates an underneath view of the embodiment of figure 74;

[0128] Figure 76 illustrates rear perspective view of the embodiment of figure 74;

[0129] Figure 77 illustrates a front view of a bottle with a label;

[0130] Figure 78 illustrates left side view of the embodiment of figure 77;

[0131] Figure 79 illustrates a rear view of the embodiment of figure 77;

[0132] Figure 80 illustrates a right side view of the embodiment of figure 77; [0133] Figure 81 illustrates a front right side perspective view of the embodiment of figure 77;

[0134] Figure 82 illustrates a front left side perspective view of the embodiment of figure

77;

[0135] Figure 83 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the embodiment of figure 77 showing assembly and an exploded view of the label and bottle;

[0136] Figure 84 illustrates detailed cross sectional view of the label of the embodiment of figure 77;

[0137] Figure 85 illustrates an underneath view of the embodiment of figure 77;

[0138] Figure 85A illustrates cross sectional view of the embodiment of figure 77 through line A-A of figure 78;

[0139] Figure 86 illustrates a front view of a bottle with another label arrangement wherein the label is a gripping label and is positioned along a axial direction on the circumference of the bottle;

[0140] Figure 87 illustrates left side view of the embodiment of figure 86;

[0141] Figure 88 illustrates a rear view of the embodiment of figure 86;

[0142] Figure 89 illustrates a right side view of the embodiment of figure 86;

[0143] Figure 90 illustrates a rear side perspective view of the embodiment of figure 86;

[0144] Figure 91 illustrates a front side perspective view of the embodiment of figure 86;

[0145] Figure 92 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the embodiment of figure 86 showing assembly and an exploded view of the labels and bottle;

[0146] Figure 93 illustrates detailed cross sectional view of the label of the embodiment of figure 86; _* ■ ■

[0147] Figure 94 illustrates an underneath view of the embodiment of figure 86;

[0148] Figure 95 illustrates cross sectional view of the embodiment of figure 86 through line A-A of figure 87;

[0149] Figure 96 illustrates a rear view of a bottle with a gripping arrangement similar to that of figures 1 to 5;

[0150] Figure 97 illustrates left side view of the embodiment of figure 96;

[0151] Figure 98 illustrates an underneath view of the embodiment of figure 96;

[0152] Figure 99 illustrates a front view of the embodiment of figure 96;

[0153] Figure 100 illustrates a right side view of the embodiment of figure 96; [0154] Figure 101 illustrates a front side perspective view of the embodiment of figure

96;

[0155] Figure 102 illustrates a cross sectional view of the embodiment of figure 96;

[0156] Figure 103 illustrates a detailed cross sectional view of the embodiment of figure

86 showing details of gripping formation;

[0157] Figure 04 illustrates a rear view of a bottle with a gripping arrangement similar to that of figures 96 to104;

[0158] Figure 105 illustrates left side view of the embodiment of figure 105;

[0159] Figure 106 illustrates an underneath view of the embodiment of figure 105;

[0160] Figure 107 illustrates a front view of the embodiment of figure 105;

[0161] Figure 108 illustrates a right side view of the embodiment of figure 105;

[0162] Figure 109 illustrates a front side perspective view of the embodiment of figure

105;

[0163] Figure 110 illustrates a cross sectional view of the embodiment of figure 105;

[0164] Figure 111 illustrates a detailed cross sectional view of the embodiment of figure

10 showing details of gripping formation;

[0165] Figure 112 illustrates a rear view of a bottle with a gripping arrangement similar to that of figures 96 to104;

[0166] Figure 113 illustrates left side view of the embodiment of figure 112;

[0167] Figure 114 illustrates a front view of the embodiment of figure 113;

[0168] Figure 115 illustrates an underneath view of the embodiment of figure 113;

[0169] Figure 116 illustrates a cross sectional view of the embodiment of figure 113;

[0170] Figure 117 illustrates a right side view of the embodiment of figure 113;

[0171 ] Figure 118 illustrates a left side front side perspective view of the embodiment of figure 113;

[0172] Figure 119 illustrates a right side front side perspective view of the embodiment of figure 113;

[0173] Figure 120 illustrates a detailed cross sectional view of the embodiment of figure 113 showing details of gripping formation;

[0174] Figure 121 illustrates an underneath view of a bottle showing the angular relationship between location of lines of gripping formations and front label area; [0175] Figure 122 illustrates a left side front perspective view of a bottle having alternate rows of embossed and impressed formations to create side located lines of gripping formations;

[0176] Figure 123 illustrates a left side front perspective view of the embodiment of figure 122;

[0177] Figure 124 illustrates a right side front perspective view of the embodiment of figure 122;

[0178] Figure 125 illustrates a partial detailed cross section through line A-A of figure

122 through the first row gripping formation;

[0179] Figure 126 illustrates a partial detailed cross section through line B-B of figure

122 through the second row gripping formation;

[0180] Figure 127 illustrates a partial detailed cross section through line C-C of figure

122 through the third row gripping formation;

[0181] Figure 128 illustrates a partial detailed cross section through line D-D of figure

122 through the fourth row gripping formation;

[0182] Figure 129 is a left side view of another embodiment of a bottle- the right side view is a mirror image of this Figure;

[0183] .Figure 130 is a front view of the bottle of figure 129; and

[0184] Figure 131 is an underneath view of the bottle of Figures 129 and 130, showing the angular relationship between location of lines of gripping formations and front label area.

Detailed description of the embodiment or embodiments

[0185] The invention is applicable to bottles such as wine bottles, which are in the main illustrated in the accompanying figures. However, it will be readily understood that the invention can be embodied in other articles such as containers like jars and the like.

[0186] The preferred material for the bottle or container is glass, but can be any appropriate material including metal, plastic or polymeric material, composite or any appropriate material.

[0187] The method of making the bottle can be by any known means including moulding or blowing or the like.

[0188] An array or line or column of crests 14 and troughs 16 as illustrated in some detail in figures 8 and 9, generally have spaces between troughs of approximately 2 mm, and the same distance between crests 14. The crests and troughs are in a generally rectangular and elongated array or line or column 12, which is recessed into the side wall of the bottle so that the crests 14, do not project further than the outside circumference of the bottle or container. That is the crests 14 and troughs 16 are impressed into the bottle 's circumference.

[0189] The crests and troughs, as illustrated in Figure 8 are of a generally rounded formation as viewed in a cross sectional plane taken generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bottle, but other shapes such as square or cuneiform or triangular could also be utilised, however, such shapes may be a more difficult to mould than troughs and crests having rounded shapes. The rounded shapes have a radius of curvature of 1 to 2 mm and are most preferred to be 1.2mm in radius.

[0190] As can be seen from the cross section of figure 9, the crests 14 and troughs 16 have a generally circumferential direction of extension.

[0191] The crests and troughs assist the user or a service person to hold the bottle and to prevent the bottle or container from vertically falling from their grasp by proving indentations for the user's skin to engage.

[0192] In the several of the embodiments illustrated the arrays 12 are generally vertically elongated with respect to the height of the bottle, with the bottle being in most illustrations a 750 millilitre wine bottle. However, in the case of the embodiments of figures 43 to 63, the arrays 12 are of a curved configuration, as will be described in more detail below.

[0193] As can be seen from the embodiment of figures 1 to 5, an array 12 is located at diagonally opposite sides of the bottle circumference. Whereas in other embodiments like in figures 10 to 15 only a single array is provided, whereas in figures 16 to 31 A, four arrays 12 are provided, being two per diagonally opposite location, and each pair being separated by a length of bottle circumference which does not include gripping formations. ,

[0194] The bottle or container illustrated generally includes a BVS or Stelven type of closure arrangement as illustrated in more detail in Figure 6, but it will be readily understood that other closures including cork, or glass on glass closures, can also be provided to a bottle or container embodying the invention.

[0195] Illustrated in Figures 22 to 25A is an embodiment of a bottle 10 having a series or array of linear formations 12 located in a decorative fashion as part of a lower portion of the circumference of the bottle. Each formation 12 is formed from a longest line 12.1 raised from the surface, or embossed onto the surface of the bottle which is adjacent shorter lines 12.2, 12.3, 12.4 and 12.5 which are each of decreasing length. The bottle 10 of Figures 22 to 25A has four such groups of formations 2, two on diametrically opposite sides of the bottle. It will be noted that the formations 12 start at a location towards the base of the bottle 10 and project a distance approximately half way up the generally cylindrical body of the bottle.

[0196] As best viewed in Figure 25A the raised shape of the formations 12.2, 12.3, 12.4 and 12.5 is clearly visible. It is important to note that the formations 12.2, 12.3, 12.4 and 12.5 could instead be formed as longitudinal and axially extending grooves on the circumference of the bottle. The location and arrangement of such grooves will assist a user or server of the liquid product in the bottle to grip the bottle at the base of the bottle by means of the bottle's punt 33 while simultaneously engaging the formations 12 on the outer circumference of the bottle.

[0197] Illustrated in Figures 26 to 28A is another bottle embodiment 10 which has the line or array of formations 12 being formed from a decorative swirl pattern which may be raised from the circumferential surface of the bottle or may be formed as an impression or etching or recess below the circumferential envelope of the bottle body. It will be noted that the swirl pattern is repeated down the length of the array or line and that two such lines are provided on either side of the bottle. This provides space between the peripheries of the lines on the front and or rear sides of the bottle for a label to be positioned without interfering with the gripping formations 12 formed on the circumference of the bottle.

[0198] Illustrated in Figures in 29 to 31 is an embodiment similar to that of Figures 26 to

28A except that instead of the decorative pattern being formed from a swirl device, each array or column 12 is formed from a series of small dots 12.6 and 12.7 between which is located a large dot formation 12.8. The dot formations 12.6 might for example be raised projections or ribs whilst the larger array of dots 12.8 may be formed by etching or forming recesses into the surface of the bottle, or visa versa- see description below in relation to figures 122 to 128. Thus formations 12.6 and 12.7 may be formed by etching and or indentations whereas 12.8 can be formed by raised projections. Alternatively they can all be recesses, impressions or etchings or all can be raised from the surface.

[0199] Illustrated in Figures 32 to 34A is another bottle embodiment which has formations which are similar to those of Figures 22 through 25A. The difference between the embodiment of Figures 32 to 34A and that of Figures 22 to 25A is that the formations 12.2, 12.3, 12.4 and 12.5 are formed along a substantial height or length of the generally cylindrical body of the bottle.

[0200] Illustrated in Figures 35 to 38 is another embodiment of a bottle having an array of formations 12 which are formed as a single vine leaf motif which has a generally sinusoidal central portion 12.10 with the vine leaves or the like radiating or extending from the generally sinusoidal formation, as is the case with leaves 12.11 and 12.12. Again these may be all raised or ail formed as recesses or a combination of both in or on the circumference of the bottle so that a user or server utilising the bottle will be able to grip these. By providing relatively "sharp" or well defined formations in respect of the shapes of the formations 12.11 and 12.12, these will assist in the gripping activity of the operator.

[0201] Illustrated in Figures 39 to 42 is an embodiment of a bottle which has an array of diamond shaped formations 12 progressing along the side length of the bottle. Such formations 12.15 present an edge 12.16 and 12.17 on one side and 12.18 and 12.19 on the other so that from either direction the operator is engaging a line of gripping surface which may be etched or formed as a recess in the side of the bottle. If the formations 12.15 were formed as a diamond shape or pyramid protruding from the circumferential surface of the bottle, then the central apex 12.20 will provide a means for indenting into the skin of the operator in their fingertips thereby providing a positive grip in both a lateral and longitudinal direction of the bottle, as well as providing triangular shaped surfaces to assist with the grip function.

[0202] Illustrated in Figures 43 to 51 is a bottle having a curved array or line or formation

12, which are preferably formed from a series of ribs, or crests and troughs as described previously, which extend from an upper location on the side of the bottle on one side, down and around to an opposite location on an opposite side of the bottle.

[0203] The arrangement of figures 43 to 51 is particularly useful to provide a gripping surface at the upper portions of the bottle which as illustrated in the front view of Figure 43 has a laterally or circumferentially extending crests and troughs so that an operator that might engage the punt 33 of the bottle with their thumb and their fingers engage the crests and troughs of the array 12, and this will provide a relatively secure grip on the bottle in this pouring arrangement. Further the upper portions of the single curved array and the mid section of the bottle provide locations for the operator to grasp the bottle at various locations thereon.

[0204] As can be seen from Figure 51 , the detailed view of the cross section, the formations of the array 12 in Figures 43 to 51 are preferably below the circumferential surface or envelope of the bottle and these extend in a circumferential direction and manner.

[0205] Illustrated in Figures 52 to 60 is an embodiment where the array or line or column of crests and troughs 12 are in a sinusoidal arrangement but are in a longitudinally or axially extending direction on the outer surface of the bottle. This will provide generally spaced gripping portions on either side of the bottle but as they also have different lateral locations this provides a better arrangement for the user to grip at any height along the bottle no matter what the rotation of the bottle relative to the user's hand.

[0206] Illustrated in Figures 61 to 63 is an embodiment similar to that of Figures 52 to 60 except that in this embodiment it is shown that a part line 50 can be located, in the case of manufacturing the glass bottle by moulding processes, so as to pass between the two arrays on each side of the bottle. By this means the part line 50 does not interfere with the formation of the arrays in the mould and further the front face of the bottle 12.35 provides an uninterrupted or unblemished surface for the application of an adhesive label or the like.

[0207] Illustrated in Figures 64 to 67 is a decorative embodiment which also provides the gripping function and is similar to that of Figures 35 to 38. As is best seen in figure 64A and 67, taken through section line AA of Figure 64 is a detailed view of which is illustrated in Figure 67, of the formations 12 which are represented as being formed as raised formations which project past the outer circumferential envelope of the bottle as is best illustrated in Figure 67.

[0208] Whereas the embodiment of Figures 68 to 69A, particularly in the illustrations of

Figures 68 and 68A looks very similar to that of Figures 65 and 66 of the previous figures, except that, as illustrated in Figure 69A, the formations 12 are formed as a series of recesses, and ribs and or troughs 12, however these do not extend past the outer circumferential envelope of the bottle.

[0209] Figures 70 to 72 illustrate a bottle embodiment similar to that of Figures 64 to 67, except that in this embodiment, a part line 50 is shown as passing generally through a mid point between the arrays or lines or columns 12, on opposite sides of the bottle. The part line 50 can be seen in Figure 73 as being generally at the mid location between the pairs of the arrays or lines or columns 12. While the front of the bottle in this embodiment now includes a part line 50, with modern adhesive labelling, such a 50 does not pose a difficulty.

[0210] In the embodiment of Figures 74 to 76 the part line 50 separates each pair of arrays 12 on opposite sides of the bottle.

[0211] While each of the above embodiments Shows the part lines 50 not passing through an actual arrays or lines or columns 12, if desired this can be done, however it may complicate the production of the mould and may interfere in its operation unless done with complete accuracy and precision.

[0212] With respect to the embodiment of Figures 70 to 72 if the mould line or part line

50 is formed with a very fine tolerance, this will still provide a generally undisturbed surface area between the pairs of arrays 12 so that a labeller or labelling machine can apply a label to the bottle. However the most preferred part line 50 and array or line or column arrangement is that as illustrated in Figures 74 to 76 where the front and rear surfaces between the peripheries of the pairs of arrays 12, is undisturbed by the part line 50.

[0213] Illustrated in Figures 77 to 85 and 85A is another embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment comprises a label 100 which has a series of raised formations 112, in this instance formed in parallel lines, which are formed on the label's side edges, on both its left and right side, as illustrated in the figures. The formations 112 can be formed by any known means such as co-moulding to a polymeric substrate which carries the label printing, or printed onto a paper or similar label. As best seen in Figure 84 the formations 112 are raised above the surface of the label 100 and provide both lateral or circumferential and longitudinal gripping locations or functions for a server. As is seen in Figure 83 the label can then be applied to a bottle once it has been filled or at an appropriate time in the filling and labelling process. While the formations 112 are provided in the form of lines, the lines can be made up of a series of dots or intermittent lines so that both crests and troughs are provided along a line, whereas with the illustrated arrangement of figures 77 to 85A, a series of ribs, or crests and troughs are provided in a circumferential direction around the bottle.

[0214] Illustrated figures 96 to 103 is an embodiment of a bottle which is similar to that of figures 1 to 6, wherein only two lines or arrays 12 of gripping formations are provided. The embodiment of figure 96 to 103 differs from that of figures 1 to 6, in that the formations 12 of figures 1 to 6 are diametrically opposite each other, whereas in figures 96 to 103, the two arrays or lines of formations 12 are on the same side of the bottle, in this case the front side, and are angularly spaced from each other, in a manner similar to that illustrated in greater detail in Figure 121. That is, the nearest edges of the formations 12, with respect to each other, are of the order of 90 to 80 degrees apart or most preferably of the order of 110 to 130 degrees. In the examples of Figures 121 and figure 98 they are approx 126 degrees apart, whereas in the example of figures 129,130 and 131 , the angular spacing is 112 degrees apart. This angular dimension is chosen so as to interact with the circumferential width of lines or arrays of the formations 12, so that for an average size hand, by grabbing the bottle from its rear side, the pads of a waiter's fingers will engage one line of formations 12, while the pad of the waiter's thumb will engage the other line of formations 12, on the opposite side of the label, which is located between these two lines of formations 12. In this way, the act of pouring from the wine bottle will not obscure the label, and the waiter will have a good grip on the bottle, and this will add to the experience of the drinkers, and assist in avoiding any mishandling of the bottle. It will also be understood that the angular dimension described above is to a great extent governed by two factors of the diameter of the bottle to which the formations are applied, and the average hand size of users.

[0215] It will be noted from figures 96 to 103 that the formations 12 are in the form of a vine leaf 12.12 pattern, which from the cross section of figure 103 can be seen to terminate at the bottle circumference and are formed by shaped recess 12.13 or impression into the circumference of the bottle. The formations 12 are within a generally rectangular perimeter 12.14, in a similar manner to the bottle of figures 1 to 6. It will be noted from figure 99 in the front view of the bottle that the arrays or lines of the formations 12 provide a relatively large unobstructed, generally smooth space 12.16 between them for application of a label. The lines or arrays of formations 2 form a left and right side border or boundary or periphery for the label space 12.16.

[0216] Another embodiment as illustrated in figures 104 to 111 is similar to that of figures 96 to 103 and like features have been like numbered. The embodiment of figures 104 to 11 differs in that the vine leaf formations 12.12 are not in their own generally rectangular recess. Rather a recesses 12.17 is formed, which gradually increases in depth as it extends away form the centre of the front face or label area of the bottle, as is best viewed from figs 105 107 and 108. From the base surface of this recess 12.17 the vine leaf formations 12.12 are embossed or raised, but don't exceed the normal outer circumference of the bottle, as is best illustrated in figures 110 and 111. This arrangement provides a border all the way around the front label of the bottle, with the gripping formations 12 being located on the left and right hand sides of the label space, and extending vertically with respect thereto and alongside thereof.

[0217] Illustrated in figures 112 to 120 is an embodiment similar to that of figures 96 to

103, except that the formations 12 are not in a rectangular recess. Instead the formations 12 are made up of circular formations which in cross section as illustrated in figure 120 have a part which is recessed below the surface or circumference of the bottle, while another portion is embossed or raised from the surface or circumference of the bottle. In the embodiment of figures 112 to 120, the formations 12 provide a recessed surface 12.19 and a raised surface 12.18 to provide a saw tooth like formation, which provides the best grip in a direction which is circumferential or lateral to the formation 12, to allow better engagement by a user's finger pads and thumb pad.

[0218] In the embodiment of figures 122 to 128, rows of formations 12, are such that the formation 12.8 is formed raised from the surface or circumference of the bottle while the adjacent formations 12.6 and 12.7 are formed as recesses or impressions into the surface or circumference of the bottle, as is best illustrated in the cross sections of figures 125 to 128.

[0219] Illustrated in Figures 86 through to 95 is an embodiment similar to that of Figure

77 to 85A. Except that in this embodiment the gripping surfaces 112 are formed on a relatively thin elongated label 200 which can then be simply applied to the sides of the bottle as illustrated in Figure 92 for a user to better grip and thus serve from the bottle. The advantage of the embodiment of figures 86 to 93, is that the gripping labels 200 do not interfere with the bottle label, and thus the bottle manufacturer can provide a bottle having the labels 200 pre applied before filling of contents and subsequent labelling by the product filler.

[0220] Alternatively these gripping labels can be applied as part of the labelling process with manufacturer's label of the product contained within the bottle.

[0221] In the case of the embodiment of Figures 77 to 85A, preferably the label is positioned between the oppositely located part lines 50 of the bottle however depending upon the adhesive it is not expected to be an issue as to where, with respect to the part lines 50, such a label is applied. The same can be said in respect of the embodiment of Figures 86 to 95 and the part line 50 of the bottle concerned.

[0222] With respect to the labels these can be manufactured by any know means such as Decalcomania processes however other labelling systems can be utilised. The labels can be manufactured from polymeric material and have silicon rubber gripping formations located in a linear array or sinusoidal array or other shaped array on the bottle on the label for application to a bottle. Preferably a co-moulding to the label material to form the gripping formations is used, and preferably what ever materials are chosen they will be ones that will not be affected by ice water or refrigeration and will assist in transport of the bottle.

[0223] The formations 12 or arrays or lines or columns 12 formed in or on the bottle can be done by embossing (raised from circumference) or de-bossing (impressed into the circumference) processes as part of the moulding process. Alternatively, the formations 12 or arrays or lines or columns 12, in the instance where they are to be below the circumferential surface of the bottle, could be chemically or mechanically etched into the bottle if desired, for example by acid etching or sand blasting or the like.

[0224] In the case of heat shrunk sleeves, into which glass bottles can be encased, such sleeves can have the formations 12 pre-applied to them, then heat shrunk onto the bottle periphery.

[0225] In the above embodiments, the gripping formations are indicated as having a variety of shapes of formations. In the embodiment of figures 129 to 131, the gripping formations are in the shape of boomerangs, which can also act as a means to indicate the geographical origin of the product, or even as a reinforcement of that geographical origin, as boomerangs tend to be an indirect indicator. Such other geographical indicators, like a miniature map of places such as: the state of New South Wales, or Victoria, or California or of a country such as Australia or France or New Zealand, which have readily identifiable outlines, could be used, to provide both the gripping formation and an indication of origin. Such shapes can of course also be used to created the gripping formations on a label such as in the embodiments of figures 77 to 93.

[0226] In the embodiment of figures 129 to 131, the use of two lines of boomerangs on either side of the front label location 12.35, and these having an angular spacing of approx 112 degrees between them, allows for a good grip while not obscuring the label. In this embodiment the boomerangs are formed as recesses alone, each of which has a depth of 0.5mm relative to the outer circumference of the bottle.

[0227] Where ever it is used, the word "comprising" is to be understood in its "open" sense, that is, in the sense of "including", and thus not limited to its "closed" sense, that is the sense of "consisting only of. A corresponding meaning is to be attributed to the corresponding words "comprise", "comprised" and "comprises" where they appear.

[0228] It will be understood that the invention disclosed and defined herein extends to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the invention.

[0229] While particular embodiments of this invention have been described, it will be evident to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the essential characteristics thereof. The present embodiments and examples are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and all modifications which would be obvious to those skilled in the art are therefore intended to be embraced therein.

Claims

1. A bottle or container for holding a pourable substance, said bottle or container including a body having an outer periphery, characterized in that the outer periphery includes grip formations formed thereon, therein or applied thereto.

2. A bottle or container as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said grip formations are formed in at least one array, or one line or one column on or in said bottle or container.

3. A bottle or container as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein said grip formations are formed from a series troughs and crests.

4. A bottle or container as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said grip formations are contained within a generally rectangular periphery.

5. A bottle or container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the grip formations are in a generally straight line of extension.

6. A bottle or container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said grip formations are in a generally curved line of extension.

7. A bottle or container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein there are more than one array or line or column of grip formations.

8. A bottle or container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein grip formations are located at diagonally opposite locations on said body.

9. A bottle or container as claimed any one of the preceding claims wherein at diagonally opposite sides of said bottle or container, there are located two arrays or columns or lines of grip formations adjacent to each other but separated by a relatively small space.

10. A bottle or container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein said grip formations can extend in a generally circumferential direction.

11. A bottle or container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein said grip formations assists a person holding said bottle by said circumference to grip said bottle or said container.

12. A bottle or container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein said grip formations assist to prevent said bottle or said container from falling downwardly through a user or service persons hands.

13. A bottle or container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said bottle or container is formed form one of the following: glass; polymeric material; composite material; metal.

14. A bottle or container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein said grip formations also serve a decorative function.

15. A bottle or container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein said grip formations are in the form of one or more than one of the following: a decorative formation; a geometric formation; a series of raised and recessed formations; lines; lines of intermittent raised formations; a vine motif; a grape motif; a swirl motif; sinusoidal motif; a curving arrangement; horizontally or circumferentially extending crests and troughs; a cuneiform rib and trough arrangement; embossed on the circumferential surface; impressed into the circumferential surface.

16. A bottle or container as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said grip formations are applied to said bottle or container as part of a label or a heat shrinkable sleeve.

17. A bottle or container as claimed in claim 16, wherein said label or sleeve includes grip formations which are printed, co-moulded or otherwise applied to a substrate of said label or sleeve then applied to said bottle.

18. A bottle or container as claimed in claim 16 wherein said grip formations are applied directly to said bottle by a labelling or printing process, such as decalcomania.

19. A bottle or container as claimed in any one of clams 16 to 18, wherein said grip formations are one or more of the following: part of a iabel which also includes the bottle contents' manufacturer's labelling; separate from the Iabel which includes the bottle contents' manufacturer's labelling.

20. A bottle or container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the bottle or container is one or more than one of the following: a wine bottle; a cylindrical bottle; a part conical bottle; a straight sided bottle; a square cross section bottle; a tapering bottle; an. bottle containing alcoholic or non-alcoholic product.

21. A bottle or container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein said bottle is manufactured form one or more of the following: glass; a polymeric material.

22. A Iabel for a bottle or container, said Iabel including gripping formations formed thereon, and which is adapted to be applied to a bottle or container, which will assist in the gripping of that bottle or container by a user or server of the contents of that bottle or container.

23. A Iabel as claimed in claim 22, wherein said Iabel has a paper based substrate and said formations are applied to, printed to, adhered to said substrate.

24. A Iabel as claimed in claim 22, wherein said Iabel has a polymeric based substrate and said formations are applied to, printed to, adhered to, co-moulded with said substrate.

25. A label as claimed in any one of claims 22 to 24, wherein said label also includes provision to receive printing so as to also be the bottle or container's contents manufacturers labelling details.

26. A label as claimed in any one of claims 22 to 25, wherein said gripping formations are on a label separate to that which provides a bottle or container's contents manufacturer's labelling details.

27. A bottle or label as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein gripping formations are provided whereby they extend in a line along or adjacent the vertical side edges of the label.

28. A bottle or label as claimed in claim 17, wherein the gripping formations and the bottle or label is sized and or arranged, so that the formations can be gripped by a user's hand engaging the bottle from the rear of the bottle.

29. A bottle or label as claimed in claim 28, wherein a user's finger pads and thumb pad can respectively engage left and right side gripping formations.